PRSA Partner: NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies

As PRWeek magazine’s 2009 and 2010 “PR Education Program of the Year,” New York University's M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication (NYU SCPS PR & CC) gives communication professionals an important, differentiating credential in the competitive public relations landscape. The awards cited "the ability of [the program's] professors to use both real-world case studies and instructive scenarios to educate students about new media, media relations, crisis communications, and other tactics."

Now in its sixth year, and among the largest programs of its kind in the world, NYU SCPS PR & CC works with senior executives from leading public relations agencies, corporations, governmental bodies and public relations associations to craft a graduate program curriculum that meets the growing need for skilled professionals, while adhering to NYU's high academic standards.

To provide students with the best academic experience and networking opportunities, the program collaborates with The Arthur W. Page Society, Edelman, IABC, Johnson & Johnson, Ketchum, Microsoft, MS&L, Pfizer, PRSA, UNICEF, United Nations and Ruder Finn, among others. Since the program stresses a practitioner-oriented curriculum — and because of its New York City location — it gives students direct access to guest lecturers who are heads of public relations firms, chief communication officers of Fortune 100 firms, or public relations experts in specialized fields, such as fashion, sports, entertainment, health care, technology or nonprofits. Learn more about NYU's graduate program in public relations and corporate communications.

Message from the Director | John Doorley

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations is one of the 10 fastest-growing professions in this country. The demand for public relations professionals around the globe continues to rise as well. What a time to be considering or working toward a career as a professional communicator!

When I was head of corporate communications at Merck & Co., Inc. I often sought to hire people with graduate degrees for a few reasons. First, people with strong practitioner skills built on solid academic foundations have a better chance of success in public relations. Second, an advanced education shows intellectual drive and curiosity. As the field of public relations grows, there is a real need for professionals who not only know their own organizations inside and out, but who also have a worldview that includes knowledge of history, government, and public policy. In fact, during this golden age of communication, all organizations need communication experts to help achieve their missions and to connect with their publics in meaningful ways.

Today, those who communicate on behalf of our institutions have greater power than ever, because communications media are more powerful than ever before, and communicators are under greater pressure to use their power in responsible ways. In order for organizations to build solid, sustainable reputations and to avoid the kinds of scandals that have affected so many of them (for-profits and nonprofits alike), organizational communication must be strategic, proficient, and ethical.

The M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication is designed to help develop such communicators through strong academic offerings. Our graduate courses, taught by faculty members who are leaders in their communication disciplines, afford students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research using New York City as their laboratory. Students train through a balance of theory and hands-on practice, and emerge as confident practitioners, strategists, and tacticians who are academically well rounded, and who are ready to advance their careers in an ever-changing environment.

I get to know our students very well and so do our faculty members. I can say with the utmost confidence that they go on to become leaders in communication, business, government, and academia. We are tremendously proud of them and of the program that they have helped us to shape.

Opportunities and Outcomes

In today’s increasingly technological—and transparent—corporate landscape, skilled crisis-management leaders and communication professionals capable of conveying an organization’s mission, message, and reputation are needed more than ever before. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 24 percent by 2018—much faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduates of the program are employed in a wide range of organizations, including:

The location of the M.S. in Public Relations and Corporate Communication in New York City, one of the world’s most dynamic public relations marketplaces, offers numerous opportunities for you to meet outstanding public relations practitioners, develop your understanding of important trends, and cultivate a network of professional contacts.

Seminars, guest lectures, and other special events enable you to connect with alumni and industry leaders. Nearly 100 public relations professionals have participated as guest lecturers in recent semesters. These presentations offer perspectives on the application of public relations, with topics ranging from communication tactics to relationship-building with interactive technologies to strategies for managing corporate responsibility messaging. Twice per semester, the program invites leading public relations and corporate communication practitioners to share their expertise with you through the Master Practitioner Lecture Series. The program also has hosted the Edelman New Media Academic Summit, which brings together leading academics and practitioners to discuss the ways in which digital media informs and transforms business communication. Panelists represent organizations at the vanguard of digital and social media, including Facebook; Meetup; NBCUniversal Media, LLC; PepsiCo, Inc.; Pfizer Inc.; and The Wall Street Journal.

As an NYU-SCPS student, in addition to the career resources offered through your academic program, you will enjoy the benefit of career development/management services provided by the School and the University at large. NYU-SCPS and the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development work in partnership with the School’s academic program areas to provide supplemental services and programs specifically for NYU-SCPS students. A broad range of events, programs and customized services including personalized career assistance, job transition guidance, industry-specific information, and specialized resources are available to enhance your overall learning experience.

The Wasserman Center for Career Development helps all NYU students to take advantage of the University’s New York City location and the internship and professional opportunities it affords. The Center posts job listings; connects students with alumni and mentors; coaches students on the most effective interviewing skills; and provides career advice.